As if lice weren’t enough, schools are now being invaded by bed bugs. The New York City school system seems to be fighting a losing battle against the ornery critters. Reports of bed bugs in city schools have doubled in the past two months.

“Reports of the nasty critters skyrocketed from 24 cases at 24 public school in October and November to 72 cases at 43 schools in January and February, according to the Department of Education,” reports the New York Post. Click the post title to read the article.

Perhaps it’s a case of embarrassment gone awry, but the school system hasn’t been forthcoming with distraught parents. Notifications have only been sent home to the parents of affected children, leaving the parents of classmates to find out only when bed bugs hitch a ride home on clothing or bookbags. Queens Assemblyman Mike Gianaris has introduced a bill calling for mandatory parent notification. “That’s a real problem,” he said. “We need to act on this before we have an all-out epidemic.”

An epidemic is not out of the question. Bed bugs spread easily and are prolific breeders. While they don’t spread disease, their incessant biting can make your life miserable. City schools aren’t doing the community any favors by keeping mum. Only community awareness, education and aggressive pest control measures can keep these annoying pests in check.

If you want to find out more about bed bugs, visit the Stern Environmental Group website. We are the experts in bed bug eradication. If bed bugs invade your child’s school or your child brings the little nasties home with his spelling words, call us today. You need professional help to get rid of bed bugs. Stern Environmental Group will get rid of bed bugs for you — guaranteed. You’ll sleep well tonight when you get “Stern” with your pests.